Mental Health NCLEX-RN Practice Exam — Set 2

A nurse on an inpatient psychiatric unit is caring for a client with schizophrenia who is standing in the corner, whispering to themselves. The client suddenly turns and says, "The voice is telling me to punch you." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Client reports: "I can't stop thinking about germs. I wash my hands 30 times a day, my skin is cracked and bleeding. I know it's not normal." Which condition is the client describing?

Discharge teaching for a client with bipolar I starting lithium. Which statement should the nurse include?

Client with anorexia nervosa, BMI 15.2, refuses breakfast: "I'll get fat if I eat that." Priority nursing action?

PTSD findings — Select all that apply:

"I feel sad every day for the past 3 years. I still function at work but enjoy nothing. It's been constant." Most consistent diagnosis?

BPD client: "You're the worst nurse I've ever had. My other nurse was perfect." Which defense mechanism?

Family of an Alzheimer's client whose loved one wanders at night. Which recommendation FIRST?

Cocaine use in ED: agitated, T 39.5°C, BP 180/110, HR 140, chest pain. Priority concern?

MDD client 1 week into sertraline: "I have more energy but still feel hopeless and think about dying." Priority action?

Paranoid personality disorder client present. Which staff behavior requires the nurse to intervene?

Alcohol detox client, last drink 72 hr ago: confused, diaphoretic, tremulous, sees snakes on floor. Most likely?

GAD non-pharm teaching. Which client statement indicates understanding?

Client on clozapine reports new fever, sore throat, fatigue. Priority action?

Bulimia nervosa — most likely finding?

Dementia client becomes physically aggressive when asked to shower. Which intervention?

Bipolar I maintenance, reports feeling "down" past week. MOST important assessment?

Opioid withdrawal: severe cramps, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches. Priority action?

14-year-old: refusing lunch, lost 12 lb in 2 months, "I'm too fat." Priority action?

Panic attack: hyperventilating, trembling, "I'm dying." First intervention?

Social anxiety + CBT teaching. Which statement indicates understanding?

Antisocial PD client splitting staff. Most appropriate intervention?

Stable schizophrenia client on risperidone hears "You are worthless" daily; mood stable, no command. Best action?

Phenelzine (MAOI) discharge teaching — which foods to AVOID?

Haloperidol 6 months: muscle rigidity, T 39.2°C, AMS, ↑ CK. Suspect?

Highest risk factor for suicide completion?

Severe Alzheimer's, dysphagia, on mechanical soft diet. Best nutrition intervention?

"I zone out and find myself in a different room." History of severe childhood abuse. Most consistent?

Schizotypal personality disorder behavior?

Post-attempt by hanging, medically stable: "I wish you had let me die." Priority action?

Buspirone teaching for GAD — which statement indicates understanding?

BPD with superficial cut: "I just needed to feel something." Best response?

Delirium — which finding is expected?

ADHD parent education — which behavioral intervention?